Thoroughbred Stewards Inquiry – Trainer Mr Michael Lane (KIA ORA STAR)
Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) Stewards have concluded an inquiry into the reports of the ChemCentre and Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) that dexamethasone had been detected in the post-race urine sample taken from KIA ORA STAR, trained by Mr Michael Lane following it competing in and winning Race 6 at Bunbury Turf Club on 11 March 2021.
At the inquiry conducted on Thursday 3 June 2021, evidence was heard from ChemCentre representative Dr B Dorakumbura and RWWA Industry Veterinarian Dr C McMullen in addition to receiving submissions from Mr Lane.
Mr Lane subsequently pleaded guilty to the following charge:
AR 240 Prohibited substance in sample taken from horse at race meeting
Particulars:
That you, Mr Michael Lane as the licensed trainer brought and presented KIA ORA STAR for the purposes of participating in Race 6 at the Bunbury Turf Club on 11 March 2021 where it raced and finished first, with a Prohibited B List substance Dexamethasone being detected in a post-race urine sample taken from it.
After adjourning to consider submissions on penalty, the Stewards have now determined to impose a fine of $5000.
Acting under AR 240 (1) Stewards have also determined to disqualify KIA ORA STAR from the race in question with the placings to be amended accordingly, with the commensurate implications to all stake money and payments to apply.
In determining penalty, Stewards took into account several factors including:
- Mr Lane’s guilty plea and personal circumstances including his lengthy involvement in the Thoroughbred racing industry
- Mr Lane’s prior unblemished record under this rule
- The need for all penalties to carry a suitable level of deterrence
- Penalties issued in WA in relation to this prohibited substance.